Chicago's 30+ new, coming-soon patios of 2015

Sky’s out, thighs out. Sun’s out, guns out. And you should be too … outdoors, that is. The weather is finally warming up, and as Chicagoans, it’s our right to have as much fun in the sun as possible while it lasts. This season’s newest outdoor spaces are upping the ante on dining and drinking alfresco with everything from bocce ball to cityscape views to firepits for marshmallow-roasting. Grab your sunglasses, pack your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and for heaven’s sake, Chicago, stay outside. -- Lisa Arnett and Heather Schroering, RedEye

Sky’s out, thighs out. Sun’s out, guns out. And you should be too … outdoors, that is. We can finally see warm weather in the future, and as Chicagoans, it’s our right to have as much fun in the sun as possible while it lasts. This season’s newest outdoor spaces are upping the ante on dining and drinking alfresco with everything from bocce ball to cityscape views to firepits for marshmallow-roasting. As soon as the temps allow it, grab your sunglasses, pack your sunscreen, stay hydrated and, for heaven’s sake, Chicago, stay outside.

10 MAJOR PATIO AND ROOFTOP OPENINGS

Pinstripes435 E. Illinois St. 312-527-3010The 80-seat waterfront patio at this bowling-bocce-bistro concept in the River East Art Center building backs up to Ogden Slip. Savor gelato and housemade limoncello at a high-top table, play bocce on one of two outdoor courts or order a s’mores kit and roast your own marshmallows in the firepit ringed with adirondack chairs. Heated umbrellas with lighting keep things cozy after sunset.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Coining the catchphrase “Bocce is the new bags”

Taus Authentic1846 W. Division St. 312-561-4500Stretching along nearly a half-block of Division Street’s extra-wide sidewalk, the street-side dining space at chef Michael Taus’ Wicker Park restaurant seats close to 100 between tables, sofas and lounge chairs. Taus has plenty of light fare—oysters, crudo and tartare—on offer, but he said he expects the fried chicken and havarti-dressed burger on a house-baked roll to be popular patio picks. He also makes a killer housemade mix for bloody marys.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Rationalizing another round of sangria by the pitcher

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que923 W. Weed St.Besides the barbecue, the triangle-shaped beer garden just might be the most anticipated part of the first Chicago location of this legendary restaurant from Syracuse, N.Y. “It’s beautiful outdoors,” founder and owner John Stage said. “There’s ivy on the walls, we made a fence of reclaimed pallets … and there’s a big tree in the middle of it.” Picnic tables will seat 40 under glowing strings of lights.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Ribs, smoked chicken wings and a pint (or three) of craft beer

Grk Greek Kitchen & Bar400 S. Wells St. 312-955-0537The South Loop building previously home to Cal’s Liquors has been rehabbed from top to bottom into a new location of this Mediterranean counter-service eatery. Owner Peter Thanoukos has taken his concept to the next level (literally) by adding a bar on the rooftop above the first-floor dining space. The look leans industrial, with salvaged factory lights and a garage door opening up onto the roof with seating for 75. And as an homage to Cal’s, there also will be packaged booze for sale.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Post-work drinks with our financial district buddies

The Duck Inn2701 S. Eleanor St. 312-724-8811Head out the back door of this Bridgeport bar and restaurant to discover a pair of hidden outdoor retreats. The porch, which seats 16 to 18, is an extension of the dining room and will serve a similar menu. Step downward from there into the backyard, where more casual seating for 45 will share space with chef/partner Kevin Hickey’s garden plots growing swiss chard, kale and tomatoes. Look out for special events throughout the summer, Hickey said, such as a luau night with a pig roast and tiki drinks. Bonus for bike-riders: Look for the custom bike rack out front that Hickey commissioned from a local metal artist, plus the new Divvy station a couple of blocks away at Archer Avenue and Loomis Street.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Making a pitstop to down duck-fat dogs en route to a Sox game

Outdoor-only cafe Expat

Outdoor-only cafe Expat

Cerise203 N. Wabash Ave. 312-940-4400The Loop’s new Virgin Hotels Chicago boasts the highest rooftop hangout—26th floor!—debuting this season. Two bars should make it twice as easy to order a drink, while seating along three sides of the building means you can have your pick of views of the city, lake or river. Japanese izakaya-inspired snacks—think dumplings, pork buns and sushi—will keep the happy hour crowd satisfied.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: A Loop rooftop double-header with Roof on The Wit a block away

Bin 36161 N. Jefferson St. 312-995-6560Flowers, mosaic walls and fairy lights set the scene at this wine bar’s patio, where you can soak up some sun on the sectional sofa or snag one of 50 table seats. Those who can’t take the sun can head under the canvas canopy, also great for keeping dry during light rainfall. The name should ring a bell: Bin 36 shuttered in River North last year and reopened earlier this month in the former Province space in the West Loop with 48 wines, 55 bottles and a new wine cocktail menu featuring components that sound as if they belong in a science experiment, from “Coffee syphon science” to “Fruitlab hibiscus.”ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Lounging around with our new summer pals, Vino and Oyster

Expat118 N. Green St.When faced with unused sidewalk seating space and the need for a low-key daytime hangout in the neighborhood, the owners of West Loop restaurants Nellcote and RM Champagne Salon decided to open this 24-seat outdoor-only cafe. “We took inspiration from what we want to eat and drink … when it’s hot outside,” partner Chris Dexter said. That translates into super-simple, often raw preparations—think fresh veggies and fruits, ceviche, crudo and oysters. In the drinks department, expect everything from buckets of beers to boozy snowcones to icy Pimm’s cups. “We have 10 wines on the menu and seven are rosés,” Dexter said. Looking south down Green Street from bustling Randolph, you won’t be able to miss the bright yellow chairs and triangle pennants, massive white-and-gray umbrellas and concrete planters filled with tropical plants. With hours kicking off at 11:30 daily for lunch and stretching into the evening—and a location across the street from Soho House and near the alley entrance to RM plus neighboring restaurants Green Street Smoked Meats and High Five Ramen—we’re anticipating the best people-watching in the neighborhood. There’s no indoor seating in case of inclement weather, so watch @expatongreen on Twitter and Instagram for updates.ETA: May 14We’re picturing: Pretending we’re in Italy with a Campari-soda and heirloom tomato salad strewn with castelvetrano olivesBonus: Dog-friendly!

Streeterville Social455 N. Park Drive 877-868-8232We’ve got three words to describe the rooftop at the new Loews Hotel in Streeterville: really, really big. “We’ve been calling it the largest rooftop in Chicago, and no one has refuted us yet,” food and beverage director Nathaniel Brethold said of the 9,000-square-foot space. After cruising up on the dedicated elevator to the third floor and stepping up to the host stand, you’ll have the choice of heading to Streeterville Social Bistro on one side and Streeterville Social Terrace on the other. The more intimate bistro—which has views of the NBC Tower and Ogden Plaza—will cater to the downtown lunch crowd with summery dishes such as compressed watermelon, pistachios and goat cheese from chef Mark Payne. On the other side, the terrace opens at 4 p.m. with a menu of street food-inspired bites (think crispy lamb belly with tzatziki or chicken wings with kimchi), a walk-up bar and views of Navy Pier and Tribune Tower. The centerpiece is a sprawling lawn of real grass where you can kick off your shoes and play giant Jenga or petanque (kind of like the French version of bocce). We’re especially intrigued by the reported investment (to the tune of a cool half-mil, per Brethold) in custom-made furniture from Barcelona-based brand Kettal, which will feature sofas and even a few bird cage-inspired swings. “It’s ultra-casual, come-as-you-are,” Brethold said of both the bistro and the terrace, which seat about 80 and 200, respectively. “No sparklers in your face or loud music.”ETA: Late JuneWe’re picturing: Reminding ourselves first-hand the difference between caipirinhas and caipiroskas

Bar Siena832 W. Randolph St.After teaming up with “Top Chef” alumnus Fabio Viviani for Siena Tavern in River North, the guys behind Dineamic Group (Public House, Bull & Bear and soon-to-open Prime & Provisions) are opening this spin-off in the West Loop. Inspired by a lively, rustic hangout called La Taverna that the owners visited in Siena, Italy, the bar will feature 80-seat sidewalk seating on Randolph wrapping around onto Green. Groups will want to reserve the 30-foot-long picnic table with a bocce court built in. “Picture like a craps table, but for bocce,” said partner Luke Stoioff, a longtime bocce fan who introduced his business partners to the game last summer. “It’s the most fun thing ever.”ETA: Late JulyWe’re picturing: Swinging by for gelato or bombolini (Italian doughnuts) from the walk-up windowBonus: Dog-friendly!

MORE OPTIONS OPEN NOW AND COMING SOON

Fahlstrom’s Fresh Fish Market1258 W. Belmont Ave. 773-281-6000This Lakeview seafood restaurant’s sidewalk seating is around the corner from Belmont on quieter Lakewood Avenue. Eight tables for four diners each sit under umbrellas and the shade of a massive oak tree.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Peel-and-eat shrimp, po’ boys and canned beers before a summer show at SchubasBonus: Dog-friendly!

Harry’s Velvet Room1480 W. Webster Ave. 773-868-0608This French-inspired lounge spot makes a comeback in a new location after shuttering in the ’90s with sidewalk seating for 100 on cushioned chairs within black wrought-iron fencing adorned with flowers and mini-trees. A mural of the bar’s slogan, “Vivre au jour le jour” (live for the day) serves as a backdrop on the west side of the building.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Sipping a cocktail (pinky out, if you wish) under romantic twinkle lightsBonus: Dog-friendly!

Heating & Cooling3530 N. Clark St. 773-789-8864Inside, this Wrigleyville pizza bar and music venue is all motorcycles and rock 'n' roll paraphernalia; outside, a sprawling 40-seat patio features planters and trees for shade. ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe're picturing: Downing canned brews outfitted with the bar's signature beer koozies before a Cubs game

Barley & Brass2015 W. Division St. 312-763-9600A low-slung wooden privacy fence separates tables for 40 from the rest of the sidewalk along Wicker Park’s patio row, Division Street. Feast on globally inspired snacks such as jerk chicken sandwiches, crab wontons and arancini stuffed with pineapple, poblano peppers and chicken and wash them down with punch on tap.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Division Street people-watching with kegged cocktail in hand

Seven Lions130 S. Michigan Ave. 312-880-0130Across the street from the Art Institute, the sidewalk cafe at Alpana Singh’s recently opened wine bar and restaurant features seating for 70 trimmed with flower boxes and umbrellas.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Bottles of sparkling blanc de blanc after a museum visit with out-of-town fam

Salero621 W. Randolph St. 312-466-1000This Spanish-inspired West Loop restaurant recently debuted a 24-seat sidewalk space set with tables for two and four and lined with flower-filled planters.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe're picturing: Pintxos and pitchers of sparkling sangria

Mash Craft Kitchen & Patio4535 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-334-4040House-smoked meats, specialty burger grinds and raw oysters delivered six days a week are the draw at this new Lincoln Square watering hole. Count on private patio seating for 125, TVs, umbrellas and, starting next month, fresh flowers hanging from the lattice-lined walls and arbor. And though not much is left of the former Bad Dog Tavern that once occupied the space, the patio is still four-legged-friend-friendly, with dog treats and water dishes.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Smoked meats on a hot day with a cold craft beer and the Hawks gameBonus: Dog-friendly!

Oak & Char217 W. Huron St. 312-643-2427The 56-person sidewalk cafe at this River North restaurant will be decked out with umbrellas and bench-style seating. Weather permitting, it’ll debut in tandem with weekend brunch.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Driving down our internal temperature with frozen sangriaBonus: Dog-friendly!

C Chicago20 W. Kinzie St.The triangular patio on the corner of Kinzie and Dearborn streets for which Keefer’s was so well-known will come back to life this spring with the opening of this seafood-centric restaurant in same space. “We’re going to enclose it with an 8-foot wall of green hedge all the way around,” managing partner Matt Moore said of the 120-seat patio.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Pigging out on picks from the raw bar

Prime & Provisions222 N. LaSalle St.Nestled under the overhang of the Loop highrise above, the covered patio at this soon-to-debut steakhouse from Dineamic Group (Siena Tavern, Public House, Bull & Bear) is an extension of the dining room inside. Think massive wrought-iron chandeliers, white tablecloths and infrared heaters to keep diners cozy on chilly nights. Adjacent to the building, there’s also space to sit and savor a private-label cigar after dinner.ETA: Open now, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Not having to rush inside in the wake of a surprise summer showerBonus: Dog-friendly!

Shake Shack66 E. Ohio St. 312-667-1701Look for two banks of planter box-lined sidewalk seating along Rush Street coming soon to this River North burger shop.ETA: Now open, weather permittingWe’re picturing: Shackmeister ales and cheese fries aplenty

Good Stuff Eatery22 S. Wabash Ave. 312-854-3027“Top Chef” alumnus Spike Mendelsohn’s burger joint in the Loop will feature 24 seats on the sidewalk directly in front of the restaurant.ETA: MayWe’re picturing: Blocking off the afternoon for a milkshake break disguised as an “off-site meeting”

Nonna’s925 W. Randolph St. 312-690-7323The Italian-inspired sandwich shop adjacent to Formento’s will feature its own outdoor seating, too. Order a cold or hot sammy and a plastic cup of beer or wine at the counter inside and then head out to the sidewalk space set with wooden tables and benches for a dozen or so diners.ETA: Mid-MayWe’re picturing: Grabbing a meatball sub and a beer on the way to the United Center for a concert or game

Tippling Hall646 N. Franklin St. 312-448-9922The River North bar and restaurant is great for lunch or late-night cocktailing (until 4 a.m. most nights), and soon 24 guests will get to take it outside along Erie Street (until midnight, at least). In addition to being dog-friendly, there’s also the Pot Pies for Pups program: Order a take-out pot pie (a different local chef creates the recipe each month) for your furry friend and a portion of the proceeds benefit PAWS Chicago.ETA: MayWe’re picturing: Double-fisting boilermakers and slushy cocktails all dayBonus: Dog-friendly!

Remington’s20 N. Michigan Ave. 312-782-6000Raw bar offerings and wood-fired meats are the highlights at this soon-to-open Michigan Avenue grill from the owners of Smoke Daddy and Dunlays on Clark. Along with sidewalk seating for 40 and a view of the Bean, the restaurant also features retractable floor-to-ceiling windows right in front.ETA: May 11We’re picturing: Feasting on prime steak while turning Michigan Avenue passersby green with envy

Scone City1632 W Division St. 773-904-8722What’s better than grabbing a sweet treat on a summer day? Savoring it in the sunshine. This Wicker Park bake shop specializing in sweet and savory pastries will feature seating for 18 to 20 people inside a fence with flower boxes along the sidewalk out front. Who says you can’t feed two birds with one scone?ETA: May 23We’re picturing: Devouring every last crumb under the sunBonus: Dog-friendly!

Jimmy at The James Chicago610 N. Rush St. 312-660-7191Large black rectangular planters filled with greenery separates guests from Rush Street at this River North cocktail lounge's sidewalk patio for 35. For those looking to grab a bite -- think caviar brandade, pickled quail eggs or cold-smoked walleye sashimi from David Burke's Primehouse next door-- take a seat at one of the cafe tables with orange, black and white metal chairs beneath frosted globe lighting. Or settle down in one of the two lounge areas at either end of the patio with bench seating for six each. Sip on beer, wine or bottled cocktails carbonated in-house.ETA: May 23We’re picturing: Pinot noir, caviar, au revoir.

The Brass Monkey401 N. Morgan St. 312-763-3316With bistro-style tables with lime colored and black basket weave chairs, there’s room for 25 at this West Town restaurant’s sidewalk seating area, where diners can fill up on French brasserie fare and ’70s-inspired dishes such as lamb sloppy joe sliders and fish sticks. A rooftop deck, to be shared with adjacent event space Morgan Manufacturing, will open later this summer and will seat 100.ETA: June 1We’re picturing: A groovy party with special guest Harvey Wallbanger

WhirlyBall1825 W. Webster Ave. 773-486-7777After an arduous game of WhirlyBall—a combo of lacrosse, hockey and basketball on bumper cars—who wouldn’t want to kick back with a beer on a couch? The new location of the Bucktown facility features a rooftop terrace for 100 with a view of the downtown skyline and comfy lounge furniture surrounding rectangular baltic fire pits. There’s also a bar with craft beer and cocktails and you can order food from the restaurant downstairs.ETA: Late MayWe’re picturing: Swapping WhirlyBall (or bowling or lasertag) tactics around the open fire

LATE BLOOMERSThese patios opened so late in the season last year you might have missed them.

>>When it comes to waterfront seating, you can’t do much better than the riverside deck at River North restaurant River Roast (315 N. LaSalle St. 312-822-0100). These patios opened so late in the season last year, they might have flown under your radar.

>>South Loop restaurant Acadia (1639 S. Wabash Ave. 312-360-9500) debuted umbrella-shaded sidewalk seating for 14 diners last August; chef Ryan McCaskey hopes to add a lounge area with comfy chairs and sofas to the north of the building later in the summer.

>>The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West 312-801-2100) in Hyde Park features a covered patio at street level and an outdoor area above adjacent to its concert space.